The former San Jose Sharks right winger signed a 4 year $15.6 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche last Monday.
Over the past four seasons Joonas Donskoi has contributed greatly to the San Jose Sharks and shined in some of the biggest moments. During his tenure with the Sharks the Finnish forward put up 45 goals, 77 assists and a number of highlight reel moments.
Donskoi during his time in San Jose, has been a crucial depth piece, particularly with his dynamic scoring. The forward had his ups and downs throughout his time with the Sharks, namely last season in which he saw himself as a healthy scratch often, including his own bobble head night. However, the one thing Donskoi remained constant in was showing up in big moments.
As a fan base, Sharks territory first got glimmers of this in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final. In a chippy tightly contested match up, the Sharks and Pens continued to fight into overtime with a tie score of 2-2. It was Joonas Donskoi that would step up and score the big goal to win the game for Team Teal.
Donskoi has always made it clear that the bright lights and big moments do not intimidate him. In fact he lives for them, and shines when he is given the opportunity. As a whole, this is what will make him a player to remember.
Another example of this ironically is a recent game against the forwards new team, the Colorado Avalanche. With 7 minutes left in the second period it was Joonas Donskoi that scored the goal to make the score 3-1, and it would end up being the game winner for the San Jose Sharks.
It should also be noted that the 27 year old forward was very invested in the community surrounding Silicon Valley. One of the most memorable instances in a long list of community outreach from Joonas Donskoi was that showed up to the Tech Museum to help implement the initiative Innovation on Ice: Code Teal. Which taught kids how to program using a hockey themed exhibit.
Students from Washington Elementary School were the first to experience it today. With a little help from @sjsharkie and Joonas Donskoi, they learned how to program pucks to move around the rink! pic.twitter.com/gwvN5EzpDF
— The Tech Interactive (@TheTechInteract) March 1, 2019
This along with the other countless acts of outreach whether that be in San Jose or in his native country of Finland illustrate why he’s been a fan favorite pretty much since he joined the organization in the summer of 2015.
The former San Jose Shark, not only suited up in Teal, but made San Jose his home for the past four years. His impact both on and off the ice will be sorely missed, but he is almost certain to shine with his new team in the Avalanche. Fans will definitely be keeping tabs on how the Finnish forward career progresses in the mile high city.